Berk Vs F.I cat back system question?

EVL370 · 03-25-2010, 08:11 PM

Hey guys,

I haven't herd them both in person. Only on you tube videos.

Berk cat back and F.I cat back with 18' res both systems matched up with HFC's

Which is louder? I know loudness isnt everything its more of the tone of the exhaust note. But feedback would be great!

bejan · 03-25-2010, 09:02 PM

In my opinion, Fast Intentions sounds extremely good in person. I've heard a Fast Intentions non resonated test pipe + 12 inch resonators stainless steel mufflers in person and I was literally blown away by how good it sounded. It sounds like an exotic car mixed with the deep sound of a muscle car. It sounds unique and extremely good!

I'm getting my Fast Intentions exhaust with 12 inch resonators and carbon fiber mufflers installed tomorrow so stay tuned for video and pics.

Trust me, you will be more impressed with the Fast Intentions in all categories.

370Zsteve · 03-27-2010, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bejan

In my opinion, Fast Intentions sounds extremely good in person. I've heard a Fast Intentions non resonated test pipe + 12 inch resonators stainless steel mufflers in person and I was literally blown away by how good it sounded. It sounds like an exotic car mixed with the deep sound of a muscle car. It sounds unique and extremely good!

I'm getting my Fast Intentions exhaust with 12 inch resonators and carbon fiber mufflers installed tomorrow so stay tuned for video and pics.

Trust me, you will be more impressed with the Fast Intentions in all categories.

Have you heard a Berk in person? No? Then how can you make the statement above?

F.I. Inc. · 03-27-2010, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370Zsteve

Have you heard a Berk in person? No? Then how can you make the statement above?

He might not but I have. I have heard Minicobra's in person while I was standing right next to Bryan from Berk!

I WILL NOT say anything negative or descriptive about the Berk because they are obviously my competitor and that is not professional. What I can tell you is (from the outside of the car) the Berk is not as deep or smooth as our exhaust system. Do not get me wrong, the Berk sounds very nice however I feel our system has a deeper, fuller exhaust note. As far as looks that all depends on the person buying the system. Ours has a very aggressive look that in IMHO fits the car well. The Berk has a much more stock sleeper look to it. Some people want that. I do not fault them, that is why everything is subjective...

Thanks, Tony

370Zsteve · 03-27-2010, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F.I. Inc.

He might not but I have. I have heard Minicobra's in person while I was standing right next to Bryan from Berk!

I WILL NOT say anything negative or descriptive about the Berk because they are obviously my competitor and that is not professional. What I can tell you is (from the outside of the car) the Berk is not as deep or smooth as our exhaust system. Do not get me wrong, the Berk sounds very nice however I feel our system has a deeper, fuller exhaust note. As far as looks that all depends on the person buying the system. Ours has a very aggressive look that in IMHO fits the car well. The Berk has a much more stock sleeper look to it. Some people want that. I do not fault them, that is why everything is subjective...

Thanks, Tony

No offense Tony, but you can't say your system "has a fuller exhaust note" and "eveything is subjective" in the same post. Against Forum rules.

Matt · 03-27-2010, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370Zsteve

No offense Tony, but you can't say your system "has a fuller exhaust note" and "eveything is subjective" in the same post. Against Forum rules.

I'd like to dispute "fuller and deeper" comments, but the Berk I've heard (mine) was paired with HFCs, and the FI was not. I definitely would NOT say that Berk isn't full and deep, however. Far from it...

F.I. Inc. · 03-27-2010, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370Zsteve

No offense Tony, but you can't say your system "has a fuller exhaust note" and "eveything is subjective" in the same post. Against Forum rules.

Maybe I wasn't clear enough in the post but the subjective part pertained to "the looks".

As far as sound, I have been doing this a very long time and custom built exhaust systems for hundreds of different types of cars. We have systems in production for over 10 different cars!

I think I can trust my ears to know what a deep full sound is! Either it is deep or it is not. Very black and white to me, no Grey. I never said the Berk system did not sound good. All I said was, ours was deeper, smoother and fuller...

Thanks, Tony

B1nks · 03-25-2010, 10:46 PM

I can promise you the F.I. will be louder/more aggressive.

370Zsteve · 03-27-2010, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B1nks

I can promise you the F.I. will be louder/more aggressive.

I can promise you that the Berk will be louder/more aggressive

KEVTEX · 03-25-2010, 11:03 PM

The drone at cruising speed was enough to reject the FI exhaust. The big gain in whp from the Berk cbe and hfc's along with great sound made the choice easy for me. If you want loud and don't mind the drone then go for the FI cbe as they also look nicer.

Matt · 03-26-2010, 06:39 AM

I've heard both F.I. AND Berk in person, albeit the Berk CBE was paired with HFCs.

First of all, they both sound awesome and I promise, unless you're extremely nitpicky or over-sensitive, neither will disappoint you or leave you with buyer's remorse.

Fast Intentions exhaust makes your car sound like a totally different car. When my friend was coming from a few blocks away, I could have sworn it was some Euro import, $90k+ car. It wasn't as deep as I like, but definitely aggressive and head-turning. Exotic is certainly the word that is used most often, and it fits well, I promise.

Berk exhaust (again, I've only heard it paired with HFCs, which is probably an unfair comparison with F.I., admittingly) has a roar that, in my opinion, fits the car perfectly. It's a very deep growl, and possibly a little less volume than the F.I. CBE alone. Very aggressive, and the roar doesn't change from 3k->7k, you just feel it deeper in the pit of your stomach as you get higher in the RPMs!

They both are relatively quiet at lower RPMs, with the Berk being the more subtle of the two below 2k RPMs. Neither have any drone above 3k. I'm not going to comment about the drone of the FI below 2k, because I've only been in a 7AT, which has a lower shift point than what most MT drivers will choose. Now that the group buys are over, they are relatively close in price.

F.I. is a lot "prettier" of an exhaust system. The welds are impeccable and the rear view of the install is breath-taking. BERK CBE definitely has a stock look to it, and while the welds are strong and the fitment is right, it doesn't have the "wow" factor when you take it out of the box. Mind you, once it goes on your car, no one sees most of what I've mentioned anyways.

Another factor to keep in mind is your future plans with HFCs/LTHs. While both, assumingly, are compatible in any configuration, getting the full system of either may result in a more complete sound and/or performance. Then again, as I'm not an expert, it may not matter at all!!!

370Zsteve · 03-27-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KEVTEX

The drone at cruising speed was enough to reject the FI exhaust. The big gain in whp from the Berk cbe and hfc's along with great sound made the choice easy for me. If you want loud and don't mind the drone then go for the FI cbe as they also look nicer.

Is there data to support this? I have not seen any data regarding gains from the Berk CBE. Anyone?

Zsteve · 03-28-2010, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370Zsteve

Is there data to support this? I have not seen any data regarding gains from the Berk CBE. Anyone?

This is true. I think some people get caught up in the info put out by the companies who can tweak the numbers in their favor. Most of the aftermarket CBEs out right now make about the same gains +/- a couple of HP. A more straight CBE will probably make a couple more than one that has 45 and up degree turns. The straighter one will have more drone than the one with bends as the bends help negate frews. So gains should not really be the determining factor in picking your CBE, it should be looks and sound. And both of those a very different for each person. Thats why its good there are several companies out there that make CBEs and HFC, which are around the same gain too and CAIs which are around the same gains too.

F.I. Inc. · 03-27-2010, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KEVTEX

The drone at cruising speed was enough to reject the FI exhaust. the big gain in whp from the Berk cbe and hfc's along with great sound made the choice easy for me. If you want loud and don't mind the drone then go for the FI cbe as they also look nicer.

First and foremost, our system doesn't DRONE at cruising speeds. I have sold almost 130 units in 8 months and I can count on less than one hand how many of my customers comment about drone. Yes, it can be a bit much for some and on the flip side some call me and tell me it is too quiet. On the 7AT we do get some drone while accelerating up to speed through the gears. In my opinion it is not an issue and we have many options. This is what makes life great, options to choose from so everyone is not stuck with the same thing!

Thanks, Tony

KEVTEX · 03-27-2010, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F.I. Inc.

First and foremost, our system doesn't DRONE at cruising speeds.

Thanks, Tony

Tony, here are some quotes from your customers and lastly from you on the subject of drone with FI exhaust.

“The only drone sound I heard is when your at the 2.5 to 3k rpm range”
“I have drone around the 2-3K rpm range.”
“Tony , I have the FI cbe with 18'' res and carbon and really like the looks quality and sound (except the 2000-2300 drone) “
“The only issue I notice so far is the drone at 2k while cruising…”
“the drone around 2-3k RPM is my biggest issue”
“want to calm the drone down some while at 2K”

“Now me personally I do not feel that the drone at 2000-2400 RPM's is obtrusive.”
F.I.Inc (Tony )

2000-2400rpm=61-74mph=legal cruising speed

03-25-2010, 08:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
EVL370 Base Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 209 Drives: Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 16	Berk Vs F.I cat back system question? Hey guys, I haven't herd them both in person. Only on you tube videos. Berk cat back and F.I cat back with 18' res both systems matched up with HFC's Which is louder? I know loudness isnt everything its more of the tone of the exhaust note. But feedback would be great!

03-26-2010, 06:39 AM	#11 (permalink)
Matt A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Augusta, GA Age: 42 Posts: 1,680 Drives: 2010 Avalanche LT Rep Power: 19	I've heard both F.I. AND Berk in person, albeit the Berk CBE was paired with HFCs. First of all, they both sound awesome and I promise, unless you're extremely nitpicky or over-sensitive, neither will disappoint you or leave you with buyer's remorse. Fast Intentions exhaust makes your car sound like a totally different car. When my friend was coming from a few blocks away, I could have sworn it was some Euro import, $90k+ car. It wasn't as deep as I like, but definitely aggressive and head-turning. Exotic is certainly the word that is used most often, and it fits well, I promise. Berk exhaust (again, I've only heard it paired with HFCs, which is probably an unfair comparison with F.I., admittingly) has a roar that, in my opinion, fits the car perfectly. It's a very deep growl, and possibly a little less volume than the F.I. CBE alone. Very aggressive, and the roar doesn't change from 3k->7k, you just feel it deeper in the pit of your stomach as you get higher in the RPMs! They both are relatively quiet at lower RPMs, with the Berk being the more subtle of the two below 2k RPMs. Neither have any drone above 3k. I'm not going to comment about the drone of the FI below 2k, because I've only been in a 7AT, which has a lower shift point than what most MT drivers will choose. Now that the group buys are over, they are relatively close in price. F.I. is a lot "prettier" of an exhaust system. The welds are impeccable and the rear view of the install is breath-taking. BERK CBE definitely has a stock look to it, and while the welds are strong and the fitment is right, it doesn't have the "wow" factor when you take it out of the box. Mind you, once it goes on your car, no one sees most of what I've mentioned anyways. Another factor to keep in mind is your future plans with HFCs/LTHs. While both, assumingly, are compatible in any configuration, getting the full system of either may result in a more complete sound and/or performance. Then again, as I'm not an expert, it may not matter at all!!! __________________ "Any man who can drive a 370z while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the Z the attention it deserves." Albert Einstein....modified.

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03-25-2010, 09:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
bejan Base Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chatsworth, CA Posts: 70 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z PW M6 Rep Power: 16	In my opinion, Fast Intentions sounds extremely good in person. I've heard a Fast Intentions non resonated test pipe + 12 inch resonators stainless steel mufflers in person and I was literally blown away by how good it sounded. It sounds like an exotic car mixed with the deep sound of a muscle car. It sounds unique and extremely good! I'm getting my Fast Intentions exhaust with 12 inch resonators and carbon fiber mufflers installed tomorrow so stay tuned for video and pics. Trust me, you will be more impressed with the Fast Intentions in all categories.

03-25-2010, 10:46 PM	#8 (permalink)
B1nks Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Houston,Tx Posts: 721 Drives: 2009 370Z Base 6MT Rep Power: 507	I can promise you the F.I. will be louder/more aggressive.

03-25-2010, 11:03 PM	#10 (permalink)
KEVTEX Base Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montgomery, TX Posts: 119 Drives: 2010 370Z 7at sp pg Rep Power: 16	The drone at cruising speed was enough to reject the FI exhaust. The big gain in whp from the Berk cbe and hfc's along with great sound made the choice easy for me. If you want loud and don't mind the drone then go for the FI cbe as they also look nicer.